Two major protest marches and rallies are taking place in Bristol on Saturday.
The first - which is expecting a strong turnout - will see a coalition of trade unions, campaign groups and environmentalists gather in support striking RMT union workers, as well as calling for public transport to be run for the 'people and the planet, not for profit'.
The second will see a gathering of Ukrainians and their supporters in Bristol in a rally to call for the release of two British men and a Moroccan who are soldiers in the Ukrainian Army and are now being put on trial after they were captured by Russian forces in the siege of Mariupol.
Rail strikes: Bristol reacts as staff form picket line around Temple Meads Station
Organisers of the climate change and train strike rally say they are expecting a 'robust' turnout at noon tomorrow. Marchers are gathering at Temple Quay, next to Temple Meads station, from noon, before the march sets off at 1pm.
The route of the march is not known but it looks like it will go either up or across Temple Way - the main dual carriageway from the M32 to Temple Meads, because the march is finishing at Castle Park. Among the speakers at the rally will be RMT regional organiser Brendan Kelly, city councillors Lorraine Francis and Amirah Cole, Hannah David from the TUC, Josh Connor from Unison, Selina Williams from the Bristol Climate Justice Coalition, Roger Thomas from the Bristol Trades Council and Tom Whittaker from the People's Assembly.
Selina Williams said the issue of the industrial dispute on the railways was part of a bigger picture of the issue of public transport and the climate emergency. "We welcome and invite all Bristolians concerned about the climate to this demonstration," she said.
"This Government is cutting back on railways at a time when more people need to use public transport cheaply, easily—AND safely. Getting rid of train guards and all ticket offices is a huge equality issue. We need a transport system accessible to all," she added.
Cllr Amirah Cole (Lab, Ashley) was one of many politicians from both the Green Party and Labour Party - including Mayor Marvin Rees - who joined RMT Union workers at the picket line outside Temple Meads station this week. Cllr Cole said she enjoyed being on the picket line.
"I enjoyed going to Temple Meads yesterday because it's important we stick together," she said. "I was encouraged to see the response from people walking and driving past. If we accept inflation and no pay rise we are then working for little or nothing. We need cheaper and efficient trains back to cause less pollution and protect the climate.”
People’s Assembly organiser Tom Whittaker: “This strike is a beacon of resistance, and public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour, because people can see if the RMT wins we all win," and RMT regional organiser Brendan Kelly said people had rallied around the rail workers. "The strike has given heart to other workers who need to fight for better pay and working conditions," he said. "Unions who represent the postal workers(CWU), airport workers, civil servants and teachers are to ballot for strike action.”
The second protest of the day takes place at College Green at 2pm. The 'Azovstal - Free Mariupol Defenders' rally will see supporters of Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner and Moroccan Saaudun Brahim come out to call on Russia to drop court proceedings against them.
The three men were members of the Ukrainian Army who were captured when the siege of Mariupol ended, but the Russians are treating them as mercenaries instead of prisoners of war.
“OHCHR is concerned about the so-called Supreme Court of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic sentencing three servicemen to death,” said organiser Ms. Shamdasani. “According to the chief command of Ukraine, all the men were part of the Ukrainian armed forces and if that is the case, they should not be considered as mercenaries.”
"On June 29, the Supreme Court of Russia is to consider the case of recognizing the Azov Regiment, which is part of the Armed Forces and was based in Azovstal, as a terrorist organization. This will allow the criminal authorities to prosecute more than 2,000 heroes for fake cases, without having to prove the guilt of each soldier.
"What a violation of human rights and customs of war." she added. The rally is due to begin at 2pm on College Green, and organisers expect dozens of people to attend.
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